The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday differed over the outcome of the by-elections held on Saturday across 16 constituencies in 12 states.
While the APC captured the majority of the seats, the PDP recorded wins in Ibadan, Oyo State, and Adamawa State; the NNPP emerged victorious in Kano; and the All Progressives Grand Alliance secured Anambra State. The ADC, however, did not secure victory in any constituency.
APC won in 12 constituencies, APGA triumphed in two, and the PDP and NNPP each won a constituency.
However, the ADC faulted the by-election, alleging it was marred by intimidation and corruption.
In a statement released on Sunday, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the outcome of the bye-elections did not reflect the true strength of the party as the coalition platform for opposition leaders.
He said the exercise once again, highlighted the alleged decline of Nigeria’s electoral process under President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.
ADC alleged that the polls were marred with violence, vote-buying, manipulation, and administrative irregularities.
“The ADC noted that the party did not field candidates for most of the positions contested in the by-election. Therefore, with all its flaws and irregularities, this election should not be seen as a measure of the strength or capacity of the Opposition Coalition, but rather as a sad reflection of how far the system has been corrupted against the will of the people.
“What Nigerians witnessed in yesterday’s (Saturday) by-elections is yet another reminder that under the current administration, democracy itself, just like the economy and our national security, continues to decline under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC.
“When elections are marred by widespread violence, when ballots are openly and brazenly exchanged for money, when opposition candidates are excluded without explanation, and when the very institutions entrusted to safeguard democracy become complicit, then the vote of the ordinary Nigerian ceases to have meaning. In some states, nearly 300 thugs armed with rifles, knives, and cutlasses were arrested on election day. Is this democracy—or banditry disguised as voting?” the coalition party asked rhetorically.
The ADC claimed that in certain states, entire polling units were nullified following incidents of ballot box snatching and blatant voter intimidation.
The coalition party further said that when citizens cannot cast their votes without fear of harassment or violence, it signifies a breakdown of the fundamental covenant between the state and its people.
It added, “In one state, a vote-buyer was caught with N25.9 million intended to procure and corrupt the will of the people. In another, election officials were themselves implicated in similar inducements. This is no longer isolated malpractice; it is fast becoming the political culture of our electoral process under the APC.
“After so many years, the failure of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System in some states has once again raised questions about the Commission’s competence, sincerity, and perhaps, complicity. Nigerians deserve elections that command the implicit confidence of every citizen and the respect of the rest of the world. INEC must not be allowed to turn excuses into a code of conduct.
“The bigger picture that we must all remember is that for better or worse, these by-elections represent the clearest indication of a dress rehearsal for 2027. If violence, vote buying, candidate intimidation and exclusion, and collusion between security forces and compromised election officials become the new normal, then Nigerians and the international community must brace themselves.
“The ADC therefore calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rise above his partisan interest and, for once, demonstrate genuine leadership by ensuring that Nigerians can cast their votes freely and safely. The President must recognise that no government can claim legitimacy if it consistently presides over elections that citizens and the international community perceive as fraudulent.”
The coalition party called on civil society groups, the media, religious leaders, and all Nigerians who cherish freedom to stand against the descent into electoral lawlessness.
The party warned that failure to protect the sanctity of the ballot now could leave citizens with nothing to safeguard in the future.
But, in its reaction, the APC hailed the victory as a clear endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement on Sunday, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, expressed deep appreciation to Nigerians for their overwhelming support, which he said led to the resounding success of APC candidates in Saturday’s legislative by-elections held across 12 states of the federation.
It stated, “This win is yet another solid endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and its Renewed Hope Agenda designed to deliver, and now steadily delivering, transformation of our country’s economy and other sectors of our national life.
“We commend the President and leader of our great Party for creating a level playing field for the bye-election contest, as well as our Progressive Governors, devoted party leaders, members, and supporters for their sacrificial efforts and contribution towards this electoral victory.
“Our hearty congratulations go to our victorious candidates across the country, and we charge them to reward their constituents with purposeful legislative interventions that translate the Renewed Hope Agenda to meaningful benefits for the people.
We especially congratulate our National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on this crucial first dominant victory under his eminent leadership as National Chairman. It is a strong pointer to greater things to come.”
The APC commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for ‘’the smooth conduct’’ of the by-elections and also praised security agencies for ensuring peace and order, despite isolated incidents of electoral violence and voter suppression in some areas.
“Again, our deepest gratitude remains with the Nigerian electorate, and we urge all Nigerians to sustain their support for our great Party and Mr President as he continues to pave a clear and steady path of prosperity for this and future generations, it added.
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday congratulated the winners of the bye-elections, also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the hitch-free elections, mostly devoid of violence, according to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Sunday.
